Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

——but those speakers who came afterwards made amends. Reference was made to the Tánaiste, and some criticism was expressed about her not getting involved in it. I was given responsibility for services for older people, and I cannot see anything wrong with the Tánaiste allowing me to deal with the issue.

It was brought to my attention towards the end of last week that it was intended to show this programme. I did not see it until Monday night, like everyone else, and on foot of that we decided to take action. My biggest concern, having seen it, was to ensure that the other residents should get some comfort, giving them the option of moving. That is what we decided. Earlier we had sought to take charge of the nursing home, but that was not possible until yesterday. We have put in place an agreement whereby we will run the nursing home. I have asked the HSE to give me a report on all its dealings with the home. I hope to have that within a day or two and to receive a report after a month to see how the new scheme is operating.

Senator Norris always provides some food for thought in his contributions, and today was no different. He mentioned the necessity, when bringing about change, that inspectors have powers to impose sanctions. Most Members referred to that in their contributions, although perhaps not in the same way. However, I feel there is general agreement in the area. Yesterday the Taoiseach gave a commitment in the Dáil that we will be introducing an independent inspectorate. That will be put in place early in the autumn. We are reviewing the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the Nursing Homes (Subvention) Regulations 1993. It is clear from having watched the programme last Monday that there are several gaps in the legislation and regulations must be tightened regarding training and staff requirements. We will focus on those areas to bring about the necessary changes. I do not claim we are more compassionate, understanding or more caring in Fianna Fáil than those in the Labour Party or Fine Gael. We would all have been surprised at what we saw that evening.